Dinner always has the spotlight when we’re planning our weekly meal plan and building our shopping list – but lunch shouldn’t be overlooked! Even in the midst of a busy, hectic week, there are plenty of options for healthy 30 minute meals that can be easily whipped up for the entire family. You don’t have to sacrifice taste or health – no matter how busy you are!
I’m sharing some of my favorite easy family lunch ideas that can be made quickly the night before to be packed for lunch, or created midday in between errands, appointments, and obligations. Take a look!
Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
All the flavor and creaminess of a great chicken salad – made lighter with chickpeas and vegan ingredients! The natural creaminess of chickpeas makes it a perfect protein-packed option for this vegan version. Pack it with chips and juice for the kids’ lunch boxes! Bonus points if you use thick slices of delicious Noble Bread for this sandwich.
Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles
If you haven’t yet had Sambal, you’re missing out. The spicy chili sauce is a favorite pho topping, and it amplifies everything from sandwiches to pasta. This flavorful Asian-inspired pasta dish is a great family-friendly lunch that can be thrown together in 30 minutes or less. You can make it healthier by swapping pork for ground turkey or chicken. I also love using rice noodles for a gluten-free version of the dish!
One Pot Vegan Spinach Pasta
Nothing says a quick lunch like the convenience of a 1 pan meal. This is my own go-to pasta recipe when I’m in a rush! It’s packed with leafy greens and citrus – a flavorful recipe that’s perfect if you’re like me and you need to up the iron in your diet!
Green Goddess Chicken Sandwich
This easy sandwich is a great recipe for picky kids. Slice the chicken thin, add a slice of American Cheese, and I promise they’ll love it! Make the tasty green goddess sauce at the beginning of the week – it’s a versatile, creamy sauce that can be used on sandwiches and salads all week long.
No Time? Grab Lunch On the Go!
Sometimes in between weekend activities and hectic weekday schedules, there’s simply no time to whip up lunch at home. Check out these Phoenix-area spots for my favorite easy family lunch ideas when you’re on-the-go and pressed for time.
A great healthy option, Gooder Goods is a vegan restaurant inside of The Madison in Arcadia. Their fresh salads, delicious wraps, and can’t-believe-it’s-vegan jackfruit sandwiches all clock in at $11 or less.
This little chain has quickly become a Valley staple! With locations all over Phoenix and Scottsdale, they’re a convenient, quick, and affordable option when you’re on-the-go. Try their delicious Bruschetta Caprese salad for $6, and get the kiddos their very own organic salads for $3!
This LGO Hospitality concept has a menu filled with kid-friendly recipes for picky eaters! Both of their Arcadia and Downtown Phoenix locations have the tastiest burgers, made with grass-fed beef, a delicious fried chicken sandwich and black bean burger, and fun salad options. Their curbside pickup makes them the perfect quick lunch option.
Great, that’s lunch settled! Now what should you make for dinner? Check out my guide for healthy weeknight meals for inspiration, tips, and recipes!
